HealthyLife Articles

Tag: community

Contribute To Your Community 2

Social Health

Both you and others benefit.

Gallup surveys in 130 countries show people with higher personal well-being are more likely to say they give time, money, or help to others in their communities. A community can be:

* Your neighborhood, city, county, state, or country

* Your place of worship

* Societies or groups you belong to

Benefits of Volunteering

In general, volunteers reported higher levels of happiness, life-satisfaction, self-esteem, and a sense of control over life. Studies have shown a strong link between volunteering and health benefits. Two hours a week, about 100 hours a year, is the number that is linked to the following benefits:

* Less chronic pain

* Lower rates of heart disease

* Lower rates of depression, especially for volunteers age 60 and older

* Lower death rates

One study of alcoholics going through the Alcoholics Anonymous program found that those who helped others were nearly twice as likely to stay dry a year later. Their levels of depression were lower, too.

Besides health benefits, volunteering can help you learn job and social skills. You can also take part in activities that you enjoy and find rewarding.

There are many ways to give to your community.

Choose activities that you enjoy, that you are able to do, and that fit with the organization’s needs. Things to consider:

* Donate household goods and clothing.

* Volunteer at church and community functions.

* Deliver meals to people at home. Work in a soup kitchen or food bank.

* Start a community garden or help plant or harvest one.

* Help in building a house for a family in need through Habitat for Humanity.

* Be a support person for people with the same health problem you have.

* Mentor a child.

* Coach a children’s team.

* Become a Big Brother or Big Sister.

* Volunteer for disaster relief services through local groups or the Red Cross.

* Donate your frequent flier miles to Make a Wish Foundation.

* Give money to a needy cause.

Action Step

Find out a variety of ways to help others in your community from Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America at

www.nationalservice.gov.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Help Others And Let Others Help You

Social Health

* Attend a support group with others who share the same health problem you have.

* Volunteer in a soup kitchen or food bank.

* Take care of your friend’s or family member’s children and let them return the favor.

* Call, text, email, or visit a friend today. Let your friend know how much they mean to you.

Dos

* Share your feelings with trusted relatives and friends.

* Vent your feelings and give and get support on social media networks.

Don’ts

* Don’t let your emotions get “bottled up inside.”

* Don’t post any messages or photos that you would want an employer or stranger to see.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Volunteer

Social Health

Volunteer work is one way to reduce stress and negative emotions.

Volunteer work puts the focus on others and less on your problems. Studies suggest it also boosts “feel-good” hormones and social connections, which are powerful stress busters.

Be a mentor for a child. Deliver meals on wheels. Volunteer your time at your church, library, or local senior center.

You may also think about volunteering at an animal shelter, as a lifeguard, or do social media for a local community organization.

Helping others helps you in other ways, too. When you volunteer, you are building skills and your network, which may help you advance your career. It also helps you grow personally by doing something fulfilling, which can add purpose and meaning to your life.

Find out places that need volunteers fromvolunteer.govandPointsofLight.org.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Where To Go For Help

Mental Health Care

Once the decision to seek professional help has been made, the following are places you can go.

* Your personal or primary care doctor (to rule out any physical illness first)

* Your confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

* Your Student Counseling Center. (Most colleges provide free counseling services for their students. Some limit the number of sessions. After that number is reached, students may still need to locate a private therapist for continued treatment.)

* Family members, friends, or co-workers n Your religious advisor (i.e., priest, rabbi, minister)

* Your County Mental Health Department (search for this online or in the white pages section under Government Offices). Contacting them is especially important if you have no health insurance.

* Professional organizations, such as your state’s psychiatric, psychological counseling, or social work associations

* Community mental health centers and/or hospitals. Ask for their departments of psychiatry, psychology, social work, or their crisis center.

* Community agencies, such as Catholic Social Services, Jewish Vocational Services, Family Services Agency, etc.

* Crisis Intervention Centers – especially if you need help immediately. Check online for local listings under “Crisis,” “Suicide Prevention,” “Drug Abuse,” “Rape,” “Domestic Violence,” or “Hospitals.”

* Self-help groups and local campus or national organizations for specific disorders. Examples include: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Agoraphobics in Motion (AIM), National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Overeaters Anonymous (OA), Gamblers Anonymous (GA).

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Build Social Connections

WELL-BEING

Humans need social contact. Having good social connections can help you feel better and live a healthier life. These are some ways to meet people and have fun with others.

* Join a group or class. Book clubs, wood carving, music and hiking are a few options.

* Get involved. Attend a neighborhood clean-up or gardening effort.

* Volunteer. A local charity, library or hospital may need your help.

Source: National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Crossfit Faq

BE FIT

CrossFit is a high-intensity strength and conditioning workout. It emphasizes dynamic exercises such as Olympic lifting, plyometrics, and kettlebells.

Who can do CrossFit?

CrossFit can be modified for a variety of ages and fitness levels. There are even CrossFit classes for kids and seniors.

Is CrossFit safe?

Because CrossFit is a high-intensity form of exercise, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Check with your doctor to make sure CrossFit is right for you.

What are the benefits of CrossFit?

Regular CrossFit workouts can build strength and improve cardiovascular endurance. It counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity exercise.

Are there risks to CrossFit?

Any form of high-intensity exercise carries the potential for injury. To reduce your risk, get clearance from your doctor first and remember to increase gradually.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Tips For Joining A Gym

BE FIT

A gym can be a great option if you like to work out indoors, but out of your house. And they can help you beat boredom if they offer classes and a variety of equipment. Before you join a gym, keep these things in mind:

Ask the right questions

The gym staff should allow people to visit and check it out before signing a contract. See if the equipment is clean and well-maintained. You should also ask:

* Do you have a membership limit? If they allow unlimited members, the gym could get very crowded at peak times. This could mean waiting in line to use equipment or full classes.

* Do classes cost extra? Some gyms include classes. Others charge a fee.

* Who are your instructors? Ask if the gym staff, teachers and trainers have fitness backgrounds.

Pricing it out

Many gyms have you sign a monthly or yearly contract. Think about how many times per week you will go to the gym. Then divide it up and see how much you will pay each time you work out.

Find out if you are locked into a long-term contract. What is their cancellation policy?

Good health is worth the cost of the gym – but only if you use it!

YMCAs often have discounted programs for seniors that may be covered as a Medicare benefit at no cost.

Check out reviews

Before signing up, search reviews of the gym on the Internet. See what others have to say about the gym’s staff, facilities and equipment.

This is a good way to get some insider information before you move forward. And don’t let them pressure you into joining before you’re ready. Tell them, “I need to think about it” if you’re not sure yet. Then sleep on it for a day or two and check reviews – before you decide.

Source: Federal Trade Commission

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Exercise For Free

BE FIT

Staying fit shouldn’t cost a fortune. While trying each new fitness fad is tempting, not everyone has the money to invest in gym memberships or fancy equipment.

And the good news is, you don’t need to! There are endless options for healthy movement that don’t cost a thing.

Join a walking club

Find an existing group that walks in your area, or gather friends to start a club of your own. It won’t cost anything. As a bonus, you get quality time to invest in meaningful relationships, all while moving.

Find free yoga

Many yoga studios that train new teachers offer free community classes as a chance for their trainees to practice teaching. Not only do you get to do yoga for free, but you also get to support the teachers as they learn.

Outdoor games

When the weather is nice, get your friends and family together for frisbee, badminton, bocce, and any other yard game you can think of. Don’t sit on the sidelines; get in there and play! It’s quality time combined with quality movement.

Online videos

A quick search online will reveal a wealth of free exercise videos you can try. If you don’t have any equipment, no problem; just search for “free no-equipment exercise videos,” and you’ll find lots of options. All you need is a bit of space and yourself.

Check local library & parks

Many non-profit organizations offer occasional free fitness classes to get the community involved and active. You may need to sign up in advance to get a spot. Find information before you go so you arrive prepared.

Check nearby athletic stores

Running stores, athletic clothing stores, and sporting goods stores often have free fitness classes or exercise meet-ups. It’s a great way to connect with people in your area who share common fitness goals.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Get Involved With Wellness

WELL-BEING

Staying motivated to make healthy choices can be challenging. That’s why connecting with others who share your goals can be so effective. Getting involved in a wellness program helps you stay on track and successfully make positive changes.

* Take advantage of your workplace wellness activities and programs.

* Take an exercise class at a local fitness center or park district.

* Look for wellness offerings through local churches, libraries, and community centers.

* Start your own group by gathering like-minded friends, family, and coworkers.

* Remember, wellness isn’t just exercise! Look for programs on cooking, gardening, mindfulness, spirituality, emotional health, book clubs, and self-care, and more!

* Ask your doctor to recommend wellness programs.

* Set yourself up for success by choosing programs that fit comfortably into your schedule.

* Connect with an online wellness community or program.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Prevent Loneliness

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Loneliness is a risk factor for poor physical and mental health. Social support and connection are critical to well-being. While there are many reasons someone may feel lonely, social isolation is often at play.

As we age, many people experience an increase in the amount of time spent alone. If this leads to feelings of loneliness, the risk of chronic disease, stress, and dementia goes up.

Try these ideas to strengthen social support and connection:

* Adopt a pet if you can afford it. Animals provide companionship and comfort.

* Find a group that shares a common interest, such as an activity or hobby.

* Devote time each day to connecting with friends and family. Email, phone calls, texts, and video chats all work to deepen relationships.

* Volunteer with an organization you believe in.

* Join a faith-based community and get active in their programs.

* Join or start a group exercise class or club, such as a walking club.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026